cornerstone college | winter 2015

clippings
cornerstone college | winter 2015
1
From the Principal
Anniversaries and Legacies
This year, Australia commemorated the 100th anniversary of the
landing at Gallipoli. Over recent years, there has been significant
growth in the interest, meaning and ongoing legacy of our
ANZAC heritage. It is a critical aspect of our culture and affects the people we are.
clippings
Contents
Dux Awards 20141
Year 12 Aquatics
2
Year 7 Camp
3
STRETCH Program
4
Athletics Carnival
5
Interschool Swimming
6
German Day
7
Mathscraft Session
8
ALWS Service Tour
9
Year 12 Passion Meditation
10
Hills Colour Fest
11
Knockout Cricket/Football
12
Athletics13
Year 10 Bushwalking
14
Grandparents’ Day
15
Year 8 Activities Week
16
Each year, we are provided with insights to the life of people connected in some way
to the ANZAC legacy. I don’t subscribe to the view that the only thing we learn from
history is that we don’t learn from history. We can learn a lot from history. We have it
within us to be compelled to make a difference because of our history and to create
a better one for the future.
Another anniversary, which occurred around the same time as ANZAC Day, was
that related to the death of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He was a Lutheran Pastor and
theologian executed by the Nazis in 1945. A statue of Dietrich can be found above
the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey, along with nine other 20th century
martyrs.
Dietrich participated in a conspiracy to overthrow the Third Reich. When the
plot failed, Bonhoeffer was imprisoned in the Gestapo basement on Prinz
Albrechtstrasse. Then he was sent to Buchenwald, and then transferred to the
Flossenburg Camp. He continued to share his faith with kindness, courage and
conviction and he changed the lives of many during this time.
A movie well worth watching regarding the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is called
Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace (2000). In it, you can begin to understand the legacy
Bonhoeffer gives us through his life. He lived what he preached, was courageous
in the face of extreme adversity and true to his core values. He was a great thinker
with a great heart. He had a strong commitment to justice. Most significantly, he had
an unwavering faith in his God and conviction to share it with others in concrete,
authentic and sincere ways.
At Cornerstone, we recognise and value that there is much more to learning than
pure academics. Anniversaries, like the ones described above, especially Dietrich
Bonhoeffer, also enable us to share and emphasise learning from and to our heart
and soul. I am also hopeful and optimistic that our students understand their ability
and obligation to live out and leave a legacy of their own.
Mr Craig Fielke
Principal
National Reconciliation Week 17
Business Breakfast
18
LEAH Schools Update
20-21
Above and Beyond
22-23
Old Scholar News
23-29
Middle School Swimming Carnival (cover)
The Middle School Inter-House Swimming Carnival was held at the Mount Barker
Mountain Pool on Friday 6 February. The weather was superb - a hot day, so there
were many keen participants and lots of positive and encouraging support. The day
started with competitive races in age groups and then the hungry students enjoyed a
scrumptious sausage sizzle.
In the afternoon, students participated in year levels in a range of activities volleyball on the lawn, novelty events in the pool and free swimming. The results
were close throughout the day both in the swimming events and the volleyball.
Overall results:
1st Battunga - 2nd Naturi - 3rd Moorak - 4th Aroona
Miss Rebecca Weiss
Sports Coordinator
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Mr Craig Fielke, Principal with Dux of Year 12, 2014
Tessa Grant and Mrs Julie Sampson, Learning Director.
Mr Craig Fielke, Principal with Dux of Year 11, 2014
Raife Gehren and Mrs Julie Sampson, Learning Director.
Dux Awards 2014
At the Opening Service for this year, Tessa Grant
was presented with her award as Dux of Year 12,
2014. The Dux Award is presented to the Year 12
student who attains the highest ATAR (Australian
Tertiary Assessment Rank). Tessa gained an ATAR of
98.3. Tessa spoke to the student body, encouraging
the students to seek to do their very best and to work
hard. She talked about how some people had been
surprised when she won subject awards at the end
of last year and again when she received the Dux
award.
She indicated that people did not necessarily see
her as the “typical student” that would receive such
an award, but Tessa did not think that winning a Dux
award relates to being a particular type of student.
Rather than assuming that Dux awards only go to
certain types of students, Tessa encouraged all the
students to work hard and to see that they too could
potentially receive awards in their studies. She saw
her success as being the result of hard work and
effort, rather than because she was a certain type of
student or particularly clever.
Year 12 Results, 2014
Congratulations to the Year 12s of 2014 on their
great results. Of the students planning to complete
SACE in 2014, 98% successfully achieved this. As
well as Tessa as Dux, other outstanding results were
attained by Sam Lamey, Esther Richards, Chelsea
Ferber, Stephen Pearce and Emma Spowart.
The average ATAR was 70.44. 19% of grades were
As and 70% were As and Bs.
Mrs Julie Sampson
Learning Director
We congratulate Tessa on her outstanding result,
and wish her well in her studies. Tessa has been
accepted into studies for Physiotherapy.
Raife Gehren was presented with the Dux of Year
11, 2014 Award. Based on final results in Year 11,
including exam results, Raife was the top Year 11
student last year with an A+ average for his subjects
across the year. We congratulate him on this
outstanding result and wish him well as he completes
Year 12 this year.
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Year 12 Aquatics
Year 12 PE students completed their first
SACE Practical during Week 5 of Term 1,
with a three day intensive Aquatics Unit
held at Murraylands Aquatic Centre, Murray
Bridge. Students selected either kayaking
or sailing and the warm weather made for
perfect conditions to have three days on the
water!
The sailing component involved working in
pairs and rotating the role of skipper and
crew on the 420s. Students were also given
the chance to sail solo on the catamarans.
The kayakers learnt the basic skills, got
comfortable with capsizing, mastered the art
of an eskimo rescue and finished off with the
challenge of a long distance paddle.
Although tiring, our students were eager to
learn and made the most of their time. It is
always incredible to see just how much the
Year 12s learn and improve in only a few
days.
Miss Kayla Chumbley
Physical Education Teacher
Driver Awareness Seminar
On Tuesday 24 February students in Year 10 and
11 were part of a special day where the focus was
Driver Awareness. This annual event allows the
students to hear from expert presenters from SAPOL
and local companies/services deliver up to date and
educational information about a range of issues
relating to the responsibility of driving safely and the
basics of car maintenance.
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The College would like to thank the presenters
(Adelaide Hills Toyota, Steve Highet Driving School,
SAPOL) for their professional presentations and
ongoing support of the students.
Mr Andrew Ottens
Moorak House Leader
Year 7 Camp
‘Go for it’ was the theme of the Year 7 camp at Mylor this year and the
154 students who attended the camp certainly took this theme on board.
The three days were full of physically and mentally challenging activities
where the students had to demonstrate team work, determination and
consideration of others.
All who attended the camp returned to College tired but with a real
sense of achievement. Many students tried new things, conquered
fears and more importantly developed new friendships with both other
students and their teachers.
The students are to be commended on their behaviour throughout
the camp. They participated enthusiastically in activities and worked
positively with their camp instructors and the College staff.
Mrs Leanne Filmer
Middle School Wellbeing Leader
Battunga Focus Week
This year Cornerstone College will focus the major
fundraising events at school to support the building
projects of Habitat for Humanity. Battunga kicked off
proceedings by promoting friendship amongst staff
and students with the infamous Buddy Buds and the
new arrival of Friendly Frogs.
Friday 20 February was delivery day for the recipients
of around 90 roses and 450 frogs, with the week
culminating at lunchtime in the Plaza.
All in all over $1,200 was raised throughout the week.
Mrs Alysha Green and Ms Kristyn Sickerdick
Battunga House Leaders
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STRETCH Program
Year 12
Preserves
At Cornerstone the STRETCH program (STudents Requiring Extension
Through CHallenge) was offered to over 70 students from Year 7-10
in 2014. This innovative and exciting program stimulates, extends,
enriches and engages young people with high intellectual ability and
potential. Unique to Cornerstone College, it is offered to selected
students in the form of Year 7/8 STRETCH and Year 9/10 STRETCH.
Students who completed some outstanding extension work through
the course of 2014 were presented with their certificates on Thursday
26 February at a special presentation event held in Anakalypsi. The
outstanding overall achievement award was presented to Courtney
Bishop. She was presented with a certificate and a copy of Dr Karl
Kruszelnicki’s “Brain Food.”
Well done to everyone for an amazing year of “STRETCHING.”
Mrs Emma Rieger
Gifted and Talented Coordinator
Lutheran Schools Student
Leader Day Program
On Tuesday 3 March, the six
College Leaders travelled to Faith
Lutheran College in the Barossa
for a leadership training day. They
were joined by the other Lutheran
Schools of South Australia
including; Concordia, Endeavour,
Faith, Immanuel, St Martin’s,
Navigator, Tatachilla and Unity
Lutheran Colleges.
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The day was filled with leadership
strengthening activities and
informative discussions followed
by a tour of the Faith Lutheran
College campus.
It was great to be able to see
another Lutheran school and
their facilities, including Faith’s
Agricultural and Wine Education
Centre and the Brenton Langbein
Theatre which was absolutely
incredible.
Catching up with and meeting
some of the other Lutheran
Schools’ student leaders was very
valuable as we were able to gain
inspiration and swap ideas.
College Leaders
Athletics Carnival
Athletics Carnival
The annual Inter-House Athletics
Carnival was held on Friday 6 March.
The weather was excellent and the
program was very full with some close
results both on the track and in the field
events. Morella Oval looked brilliant the brightly coloured house areas each
with their own theme, created a very
positive atmosphere throughout the
day. The first event for the day, ‘The
House Lap’ was again lots of fun and a
success, with most staff and students
completing at least one lap - it was a
great way to warm-up and earn some
valuable house points.
Throughout the day, students
participated enthusiastically and
pushed themselves to win events
and break records. There was lots of
encouragement and support from the
spectators. The results were close
during the day, but Naturi finished strong
and took out the Athletics Shield for
2015.
Final Scores:
1st: Naturi - 2474
2nd: Battunga – 2465
3rd: Aroona - 2449
4th: Moorak – 2353
Congratulations to the following students
who broke records on the day:
Bradley Hilton: U/12 Boys 1500m, U/12
Boys 100m, U/12 Boys 200m
Daniel Zander: U/13 Boys 1500m, U/13
Boys 400m, U/13 Boys High Jump
Julian Jones: U/13 Boys 100m, U/13
Boys 200m
Alicia Harford: U/13 Girls 1500m
Ciaran Scales: U/12 Boys Triple Jump
Jack Schoell: U/13 Boys Triple Jump
Zane Olenich: U/15 Boys Triple Jump
Emily Nitschke: U/12 Girls Hurdles
Hannah Rodert: U/13 Girls Hurdles
Thomas Roberts: U/13 Boys Hurdles
Riley Hordacre: U/13 Boys Discus
Jake Bilsborow: U/13 Boys Long Jump
Olivia Snell: U/12 Girls 100m
Bethia Holton: U/13 Girls 100m
Lauren Hogan: U/13 Girls Shot Put
Abby Naughton: U/13 Girls Javelin
Blake Dunow: U/12 Boys Shot Put
Zabian Parker-Boers: U/13 Boys Shot
Put
Ella Callaghan: U/13 Girls 400m
Isaac Lyons: U/12 Boys High Jump
Troy Parker-Boers: U/16 Boys Shot Put
Reagan McNeillie: U/12 Girls High
Jump
Amelia Martin: U/13 Girls High Jump
Naturi: U/13 Girls 4 x 100m Relay
Moorak: U/13 Boys 4 x 100m Relay
Battunga: House Lap
Well done to the following students who
received the House Award - an award
based on participation and house spirit:
Aroona: Laura Cummings and
Samantha Brown
Battunga: Sebastian Brook and
Georgia Lamshed
Moorak: Hannah Rodert and Charlie
Weeks
Naturi: Ashleigh Day and Sarah
Dickinson
Miss Bec Weiss
Sports Co-ordinator
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Interschool Swimming
On Monday 2 March, 24 of the College’s best swimmers from Years 8-12 competed at the Marion Aquatics
Centre in the C Grade SSSASA State School Swimming Championships.
Cornerstone competed against eight other city and country schools from around the state. In total,
Cornerstone achieved 28 first places, 13 second places, and 12 third places.
Overall the team came second which is the highest ever achievement for the College.
Mrs Ali Hodgson and Mr Mike Litchfield
Accompanying Teachers
Year 11 Sweet Treats
ALWS
Awareness Day
On Thursday 26 March, 13
Year 9 students attended the
annual ALWS Awareness Day
at St Marks. This day is held
every year to educate students
about the different aspects of aid
organisations and in particular,
the work that ALWS do around
the world.
Ms Kayla Chumbley
ALWS Team
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German Day
Danke schön to all who contributed to the success of German Day this year. A great time was had by all who
participated. Some highlights: Miss Rodert’s whip cracking demonstration, the Hammerschmidt dance, the
new event: soccer goal shooting as well as the food, such as Bienenstich and pretzels.
Mrs Ingrid Synwoldt
German Teacher
Around the College - Special Timetable Day
Wednesday 11 March, 2015
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Year 7 Wetland Photography
Mathscraft
Session
On Friday 27 March (note that
27 is one short of the second
perfect number) Raife Gehren,
Savannah Liebelt, Dylan
Stephenson, Mr John and Mr
McDonald attended a Mathscraft
Session at Prince Alfred College.
Here we tackled a variety of
problems in consultation with
mathematicians from various
institutions from SA and around
Australia. There were students
from seven schools across
Adelaide in attendance.
The problems were interesting
and challenging. It was great to
brainstorm ideas about how to
solve these problems. Some of
the solutions to these problems
were very creative and it was
amazing to see how smart and
elegant some of the work was.
We were so engaged that we
continued to try and solve some of
the problems in the car on the way
back and long afterwards.
A little unusual to be going on a
mathematics excursion - but we all
enjoyed ourselves immensely.
Raife Gehren, Savannah Liebelt
and Dylan Stephenson
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ALWS Student Learning and Service Tour of
Cambodia
In December 2014 it was my
privilege to accompany four
of Cornerstone’s finest Year
11 students on the ALWS
Student Learning and Service
Tour of Cambodia.
Throughout 2014 the
Cornerstone community were
involved in fund-raising to
support the work of ALWS
(Australian Lutheran World
Service) in Cambodia.
ALWS provide funding to an
organisation called Life With
Dignity (LWD) who work in
rural areas of Cambodia.
The purpose of the Student
Tour was to learn about how
the money raised is being
used by LWD. We got to see
a number of support projects
in action and to talk to the
people who are making those
things happen. We also met
some of the villagers who are
benefitting from the support
of LWD.
We were accompanied on
the trip by a group of Year
11 and 12 students and
teachers from Redeemer
Lutheran School in Brisbane,
whom we met in Singapore.
Our entourage then flew to
Phnom Penh, the capital of
Cambodia, before heading
north by bus to tour a
number of rural villages in the
Kampong Chhnang province.
I was so impressed by
the enthusiasm and
maturity displayed by the
four students during the
experience. We covered
more than 500km through
urban and rural landscapes,
survived chaotic traffic
and a creek crossing
that threatened to rip the
back end off the bus. We
travelled on planes, buses,
boats, tuctucs, elephants,
scooters, tractors and did a
lot of walking. The students
showed a constant desire
to learn about Cambodian
culture, meet the people of
Cambodia and experience
how the funds raised for
ALWS are making very real,
life-changing impacts on the
lives of those people.
Mr Tony Egan
ALWS Team
Late in Term 1 the Year 12 Outdoor Education class
completed a four day kayaking expedition in the
Coorong and Lower Lakes. They experienced some
fantastic weather and a beautiful coastal environment.
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Year 12 Passion Meditation
Anzac Day Service
The first day of Term 2 this year fell just two days
after the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings,
providing our College the opportunity to remember
the significance of the occasion for all Australians and
New Zealanders.
Lead in its entirety by students, the half hour ANZAC
Commemoration Service included students placing
a paper poppy they had made onto the wall of our
inbarendi building, providing an appropriate symbolic
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backdrop for all that was to follow. The main feature
of the service was the reading of letters (by students),
originally written by Australian service men and
women in war-torn Gallipoli.
A further highlight was the raising of the Australian
flag, conducted by several Defence Force cadets
belonging to Cornerstone.
Pastor Albert Gast
Hills Colour Fest
The inaugural Hills Colour Fest was held on the final day of Term 1 and
what an event it was! Entirely planned, organised and run by a Year 12
Christian Living class, the event was a wonderful reflection of their hard
work and dedication.
The event brought together the community and raised over $2,000 for
Backpacks 4 SA Kids, a charity which provides clothes and personal
supplies to children placed in emergency care.
The weather was perfect for the 250 participants who followed a 3.4km
trail through the College and the Laratinga Trail while being splashed
with coloured powder.
Ms Kayla Chumbley
Christian Living Teacher
107th Birthday
Celebration
On Friday 10 April, eight Middle School
House Leaders along with Mrs Filmer
and Mr Pearce went to St Pauls Lutheran
retirement home to celebrate Doris West’s
107th birthday. Doris is the second oldest
surviving World War 1 widow.
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Open Boys Knockout Cricket
After moving through the second
round with a comprehensive
victory over Heathfield High,
Cornerstone found themselves
in the final of the Open Boys
Knockout Cricket tournament.
Cornerstone faced a strong
opponent in the final in Marryatville
High. The final was played on a
turf wicket down at Park 25 and
with a small amount of rain over
night, captain Tyler Aitchison
won the toss and elected to bowl
first. Opening bowlers Ryan
McEachern and Austin Abraham
built up the pressure early with
disciplined bowling spells, before
Edward Reudiger came into the
attack and struck first ball! He
then ripped through Marryatville’s
top order giving Cornerstone
the upper hand with Marryatville
reeling at 6/50. Edward finished
his 7 overs with the outstanding
figures of 4/15. Marryatville were
then able to put together a strong
partnership and finished their 35
overs at 9/140.
Cornerstone had the task in front
of them to chase down a good
target on a pitch that was moving
around a bit and against strong
bowlers. The top order provided a
solid start to Cornerstone’s innings
making their way to 2/53 off the
first 15 overs. Sam Liersch and
Tyler Aitchison then combined
for a match-winning partnership of
73, before Sam fell with the score
at 130 in the 30th over, leaving
only 10 runs to get off the last 5
overs. Sam batted beautifully to
finish with a very well put together
innings of 65. Tyler then hit a
boundary back over the opening
bowlers head to score the winning
runs for Cornerstone with 4 overs
left. Tyler finished 35 not out.
It was a fantastic team effort
over the three games and the
Cornerstone boys all played well
and chipped in at various times
to help the team. Congratulations
boys and well deserved!
Mr Rhett Fielke
Coach
Open Girls Knockout Football
Twenty four enthusiastic and
excited senior girls took to the field
for two games of knockout AFL
football on Wednesday 13 May.
For a wet and windy day, the girls
displayed a sensational level of
skill and perseverance, moving the
ball with confidence and applying
scoreboard pressure all day.
The first game against Heathfield
resulted in a convincing win.
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Unfortunately the girls were unable
to proceed to round 2, going down
to Birdwood by 8 points. Talisha
Adcock and Courtney Jaensch
were dangerous in the forward
lines, and Lucy Northcott and
Georgina Hollsten made their
presence felt with fierce tackling
and silky skills. Congratulations
to all players for their positive and
encouraging attitude all day.
Best: Lucy Northcott, Georgia
Hollsten, Niamh Montague,
Alex Edwards, Rhiannon West,
Charlotte Turner
Mr Anthony Janus and Miss
Kayla Chumbley
Open Girls Coaches
SSSSA Interschool Athletics
On Wednesday 8 April, Cornerstone competed in the SSSSA B Grade
Athletics Championships which was held at SANTOS Stadium. The
weather conditions were very good and the standard of the competition
was high. The students performed extremely well and should be
congratulated for their positive attitude and excellent efforts. Both the
Boys and Girls competed in Division 1. The Girls finished 2nd and the
Boys finished 3rd.
Overall, with the Girls and Boys scores combined, Cornerstone
finished 2nd. This fantastic result means that Cornerstone may be
moved to compete in the A Grade, Division 2 next year. Well done to
all competitors and thank you to the many students who willingly filled
events during the day. Also, thanks to the staff who assisted with
coaching the students before the event and for their support on the
actual day of competition.
Ms Rebecca Weiss
Sports Coordinator
SAPSASA Athletics Day
On Thursday 9 April, 26 Year 7
students represented Cornerstone
at the Barker District SAPSASA
Athletics competition held at
Oakbank Area School.
The weather was perfect for
competition and the students
were eager to perform in
their respective events. The
Cornerstone students took to
their track and field events,
representing our College
beautifully. The team were strong
competitors and achieved some
excellent individual results, with
many students returning to school
with ribbons.
to all those parents who came
along to help officiate and support
students on the day.
Mr Matthew Vince and Miss
Stephanie Rodert
Year 7 Teachers
Congratulations to Bradley Hilton
who won the overall male best
competitor for the day! Thank you
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Year 10 Bushwalking Expedition
On Wednesday 4 May, four teachers and four
assistant leaders left the grounds of Cornerstone
and headed by bus up to the Mount Remarkable
National Park to embark on the Year 10 Outdoor
Education Bushwalking Expedition. The students
were divided into four different walking groups and
over the following three days walked approximately
30km up mountains, down mountains and through
some beautiful gorges, all the while carrying their
First Aid
On 28 May all Year 10s completed Applying First Aid
(formerly Senior First Aid) as part of their Personal
Learning Plan. Over two days students learnt how to
deal with medical emergencies and perform CPR.
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personal camping and survival supplies on their
backs. The students all showed great determination,
developed stronger friendships and learnt camping
and navigational skills. Overall they should be very
proud of what they achieved.
Mrs Ali Hodgson and Mrs Danielle Bradley
Outdoor Education Teachers
Senior Vocal
Ensemble
On Monday 11 May, the Senior Vocal Ensemble
visited St Paul’s Lutheran Homes and performed to
50 highly appreciative and encouraging residents.
Grandparents’ and Special Friends Day
Grandparents’ Day is always
such a special day on our school
calendar. It is a privilege to witness
the loving connection between
grandchild and grandparent.
We were blessed to have around
250 Grandparents and Special
Friends join us, as the Year 8s
hosted an entertaining morning
of songs, skits, presentations and
sharing of their life at Cornerstone.
Well done to the Year 8s who put
on a very enjoyable event. And
thanks to all the Grandparents and
Special Friends who joined us; we
really value your connection with
the College.
Ms Stephanie Noon
Marketing Manager
Year 11 Drama Production
In Week 2, Mr Braid’s Year 11
Drama class presented ‘Dimboola’
in Atelier Theatre.
Audience members were treated
to a night of 1970s Aussie humour
as they witnessed the events
of a country wedding reception.
Dimboola, written by Jack Hibberd
is a comedy of manners, whereby
characters say and do as they
please and all social etiquette is
thrown out the window.
Well done to all student
performers involved and a special
thanks to James Bretag (Year
10 techie) and Jemma Hadley
(Year 10 actor) for their talented
contributions.
Mr Matthew Braid
Drama Teacher
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Year 8 Activities Week
In late May 158 Year 8 students experienced the very first Year 8 Activities week. The theme of the week
was looking after self, looking after others and looking after the community. Students participated in a range
of activities that included: an overnight camp, high ropes course, Indigenous activities, city challenge, ALWS
session, Sonya Ryan session, Cyber Safety session and a Healthy Habit research session. On Friday they
were required to create a presentation on what they had learnt during the week and present it to another Core
Group.
Mr Matthew Pearce
Middle School Learning Leader
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National Reconciliation Week
Cornerstone College
acknowledges the importance
of our students being aware and
involved in this week. We had a
number of activities, devotions and
discussions during Home Group
to explore this significant week.
You may have noticed our trees
wrapped with symbolic ribbons.
There were daily reflections and
Chapel on National Sorry Day.
Year 8 students had an Indigenous
experience during their camp time
at Rocky Creek. The discussions
for art works were based on
the issues related to Country
and spirituality. We also had
Indigenous visitors come into the
College to speak with our Year 9
Art students.
Australia’ who provided the
College with badges and
temporary tattoos which was a
great addition.
Cornerstone College aims to
continue to acknowledge the
traditional owners of Country
throughout Australia and recognise
their traditional connection to
land, waters and community. We
pay our respect to them and their
cultures; and to elders both past
and present.
Ms Jacinta Smart
Moorak House Leader
This year we shared our plans
for the week with ‘Reconciliation
Altitude Day 2015
On Wednesday 3 June, 15
keen Middle School House
Leaders travelled to the Adelaide
Convention Centre to participate
in Altitude Day hosted by YLead.
The purpose of the day was to
• Inspire dreams
• Unlock potential and
• Empower leaders
schools from around the state.
This was followed by three
presentations by guest speakers.
The guest speakers were Lucas
Lovell (Young Explorer), Barnaby
Howarth (Stroke Survivor and
Footballer) and Rowie McEvoy
(Passionate Health and Fitness
Professional).
The day began with a few
activities where we interacted
with students from various other
It is hoped that our Middle School
House Leaders felt inspired by
the speakers and all of YLead
team members and will take away
ideas and thoughts that they can
implement in their lives both as
leaders and as young adults into
the future.
Mrs Leanne Filmer
Middle School Wellbeing Leader
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Business Breakfast
On Friday 1 May we had the pleasure of hosting a breakfast for some
of our local business community. We were blessed with a beautiful crisp
and sunny morning. Our guests enjoyed a light breakfast while getting
up close and personal with some local creatures!
We highly value being a part of such a strong and vibrant community
in the Adelaide Hills and thank those who joined us for this special
breakfast.
Ms Stephanie Noon
Marketing Manager
From the ‘clippings’ Archives
A Case of Conspiracy
In Term 1 the Year 10 Science
classes took a journey into the
world of the forensic scientist
when the presentation, “A Case
of Conspiracy” visited the school.
Through a series of interactive
displays and activities, students
discovered how forensic evidence
is gathered, how it is analysed and
how the results of these analyses
are compiled to provide a detailed
picture of the events leading up to
a crime. The presentation showed
students how the methods and
experiments that they are using
each day in the school laboratory
are developed and applied in
the real world. By examining and
interpreting evidence found at the
“crime scene”, students worked on
building a case against one of the
“suspects” in a “real crime” and so
solved the case. A few students
showed themselves to be real
super-sleuths with what could be
a promising career in this area of
Science.
Mr Tony Egan
Science Teacher
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Autumn 2009
The Journey is a rite of passage from Middle School to Senior School.
After entering Cornerstone as a young
adolescent in Year 7, students are ready
for the Journey program in Year 9 to
prepare them for their passage into
Senior School. The year-long program
challenges them physically, emotionally,
socially and spiritually in a very
experiential program. It is just one of the
many ways Cornerstone understands the
changing needs of our students as they
progress from Year 7 to Year 12.
19
In this edition of clippings we share with you some of
the recent happenings from our LEAH Primary sister
schools:
St Mark’s Lutheran
The beginning of a new school year
is always exciting. In 2015 St Mark’s
welcomed another 54 Foundation
students. These students have now
settled into school life and are certainly
enjoying the recently refurbished multipurpose junior primary teaching space.
We have had many visitors come to
St Mark’s during this semester. Our
students were left awestruck by the
sheer enormity of a monster truck
and the extraordinary cost of running
these mean looking machines. The
Metropolitan Fire Service also paid
our Foundation students a visit. Our
students loved having a close up look at
the fire truck but were even more excited
when the firehose was turned on!
Our twilight Sports Day is always a
wonderful opportunity for our students
to demonstrate their sportsmanship.
It was lovely to see so many parents,
grandparents and friends cheer on
students and then sample the delicious
barbeque tea, coffee and sweets
provided by our Parents & Friends. This
year we also saw our Year 6 students
take on the challenge of Pedal Prix
again and in their first race achieved
17th position in our class after starting
from a grid position of 177 with 183
competitors. Our students completed
105 laps and covered a total distance of
142 km!
This semester St Mark’s hosted ALWS
Awareness Day. This event allowed
students to learn about the issues and
challenges that face refugees on a daily
basis worldwide. We were blessed to
have teachers and support staff serve
porridge for morning tea and steamed
rice for lunch - the staple diet of those
living in camps. It was an experience
that we know has influenced and shaped
how our students view refugees seeking
sanctuary in Australia.
Year 6 students at ALWS Awareness Day.
20
At St Mark’s we value the connection
we have with Cornerstone College. In
Term 1 our junior primary classes were
blessed by visiting Year 12 Cornerstone
students. The Service Program provided
students from the college the opportunity
to support junior primary students in
their writing and reading.
ST MICHAEL’S LUTHERAN
Year 4s help celebrate 107th Birthday
in Hahndorf
Year 4 students recently attended the
birthday celebrations of Mrs Doris
West’s 107th birthday. These students
also visited Mrs West 5 years ago when
it was her 102nd birthday. The students
made gifts, cards and sang ‘Happy
Birthday’ while performing for her.
A school year is made up of so many
defining moments. This semester
there was none more moving than
our Stations of the Cross. On Maundy
Thursday this year our community of
350 students, 35 staff and parents
gathered to reflect on Jesus’ journey to
Calvary. In silence our students moved
from one station to the other where they
paused and prayed. At our final station the cross - and to the echo of iron nails
falling into a steel bucket we thanked
God for the sacrifice of His son and the
forgiveness of our sins.
Foundation students visit the MFS
In term 2 the Foundation students
transdisciplinary theme for their learning
was ‘how we organise ourselves’.
Their Central Idea was ‘People take
on different roles in the communities
to which they belong.’ To support them
in their understanding the Foundations
went on an excursion to the Adelaide
Metropolitan Fire Station. They met and
chatted with several MFS employees
and all students had a turn of the ‘big’
hose.
Mr James Heyne at Stations of the Cross.
Mrs Loredana Saracini
Deputy Principal
lobethal LUTHERAN
Curiosity and Nature
Children at Lobethal Lutheran School
have been very curious this semester,
curious about lots of things. In fact it
has been a whole school emphasis with
our unit plans as we further develop
and implement our 5Cs – Curiosity,
Challenge, Collaboration, Creativity and
Confidence. Curiosity fits very neatly
into our Inquiry Learning approach to
learning, asking a big question and
seeing where this leads us as we find
out more and more about the topic at
hand.
For example, Year 6/7s asked the big
question about ‘Have All Australians
Experienced Democracy in the Same
Way?’ and various students researched
their own special interest topics of White
Australia Policy, Women’s Vote and
Immigrants’ Rights. Our R/1/2 classes
asked the big question about ‘What Was
Life Like in the Past?’ and found out
about clothes, school and toys. Our Year
3/4 class asked the big question about
‘How do we Keep Things Warm?’ and
found out all about insulation qualities of
materials.
All this and more was presented to
parents and friends at a special Curiosity
Showcase last week where we opened
the school up to families, viewing their
children’s work and displays, and
children had the opportunity to explain
to visitors about what they had been
learning about.
The children have also enjoyed the
opportunity to use our garden area in the
back of the oval as a learning and play
area. Their inquisitive and imaginative
nature have seen new and energetic
games being played, cubbies being
built using natural materials, risks being
taken, cooperative relationships being
formed and great social mixing between
the age levels.
Staff too are embarking on a learning
journey as they find out more about
Nature Play. Our aim is then to use
and change other outdoor areas of the
school so that children can find their
own exciting activities to take up and
materials to use.
Mr Craig Lieschke
Principal
SPRING HEAD LUTHERAN
It’s been a busy start to 2015 at Spring
Head. Our year started with a week of
swimming at Woodside pool, our senior
students took part in ALWS Awareness
Day and we had an exciting sports
day with the Yabbies winning by the
narrowest of margins.
The Mount Pleasant Show was a
wonderful fundraiser for our school and
our students had terrific success with
their entries from our vegetable garden,
winning a number of awards, including
6 first places. Our school has also
had a presence at the Mount Pleasant
Farmers’ Market, where our students
were invited to sell chicken feed from
their business, the Old School Grain
Store.
Spring Head TV was launched in Term
1, with students reporting on activities
around the school, excursions and
visits from a number of groups including
Footsteps Dance Studio, Animals
Anonymous and Jonas Tandoh, who
presented Ghana Beat My Drum. Our
computer lab was upgraded in Term 1,
and Stage 2 of our nature play area, an
outdoor classroom, was completed in
Term 2.
Our school has been actively involved
in the community, hosting a number
of visits from local kindergartens, and
having our students visiting regularly
at Restvale Homes in Lobethal. The
Stormbirds program was introduced,
supporting students who had been
affected by the Sampson Flat bushfires,
and our school took part in joint activities
with other local primary schools through
the Come Out parade and preparing
for the Hills Music Festival which will
be hosted by Spring Head at the end
of Term 2. Our interactions outside of
school have extended to overseas,
where we have begun corresponding
with two other Spring Head primary
schools – in Hull, and Stoke-on-Trent,
UK.
Mr Andrew Boesch
Principal
21
Above and Beyond
We have had the pleasure of some old scholars visit the College
this year at assemblies. They share their achievements to motivate,
encourage and inspire our current students to work towards their full
potential in preparation for life beyond Cornerstone. Here are their
reflections:
MIKARLA DOECKE (2007)
Mikarla worked and travelled overseas
after Year 12, including some time in
Germany visiting her German Exchange
family from Year 11. She moved back
to Adelaide and undertook a three
year International Studies degree at
the University of Adelaide. During her
time at university she also travelled
to Tanzania in Africa for a volunteer
trip working in an orphanage. She
now works for the South Australian
government, for the Department of
Communities and Social Inclusion.
I particularly invited Mikarla to speak
as she spent 6 months working on
Christmas Island at the immigration
centres there. There are three centres
on Christmas Island, one for families,
women and children, and one for single
adult males. Mikarla worked in the
centre with the males. At any given
time there were approximately 2,000
in the centre from all across the globe,
from Sri Lanka, Iran, Afghanistan,
Sudan and many other places. Her job
at the centre was to search and store
people’s property for safe keeping when
they arrived at the island, to give them
clothes and other supplies and to help
facilitate the transfers of people to the
Australian mainland.
Mikarla’s interest in this area was
sparked by her independent research
internship with the Australian Refugee
Association during University. It’s such a
controversial part of Australia’s politics,
so it was quite interesting to be a part of
it first-hand.
What were some of the challenges of
working on Christmas Island?
There were many challenges in this
work. Mikarla indicated at times it was
hard staying positive whilst working
under a lot of pressure. They worked 12
hour shifts, 5 or 6 days a week, in hot
weather, and were constantly run off our
feet. Sometimes when facing her own
physical challenges, she tried to take a
step back and think about what all the
asylum seekers were going through.
It was also hard at the times that she
really wanted to help everyone, but there
was so many people coming through it
was impossible. They also had to follow
any directives given by the government
regardless of their own thoughts on a
circumstance.
22
has to be for an hour or two a week but
I think it’s the best decision you’ll make.
Even if you don’t get anything out of it,
the people you’re helping certainly will.”
We thank Mikarla for sharing her
experience. Our students have amazing
opportunities available to them, and
we encourage every one of them to
consider what their future could be and
to grab every opportunity that comes
their way. Mikarla’s story also shows that
you need to persevere and put in effort,
that these opportunities don’t general
just accidentally happen.
Mrs Julie Sampson
Learning Director
MELISSA KEOGH (2009)
What year did you graduate from
Cornerstone?
2009.
What career path have you taken?
I’m a journalist at The Courier
newspaper.
I asked Mikarla what she learnt from this
experience. She said:
1. How lucky we are to live in a free
country.
2. It reinforced that I shouldn’t base my
opinions only on what I hear through
the media. When we were working
on Christmas Island and watching
the news up there what was being
reported was completely different to
what was actually happening.
3. The importance of making the most of
every opportunity.
Mikarla gave one very powerful piece
of advice for students. “I’ve got one
piece of practical advice that has helped
shaped me and give me many of my
great opportunities. If you’re looking
for exciting opportunities in your career
and just life in general I think a great
way to do that is to volunteer. I truly
believe volunteering opens your eyes
up to many and varied experiences you
probably would never get otherwise and
it can also lead to career opportunities.”
Mikarla indicated that before she worked
on Christmas Island she volunteered at
the Inverbrackie Centre helping kids with
their homework after school. “I probably
would have never considered working
on Christmas Island if it weren’t for my
experience volunteering with asylum
seekers in my own backyard,” she said.
“So if there is an area you think you
might be interested in but don’t yet have
the skill set to get paid employment, put
your name forward to volunteer. It only
Have you done any special study or
training for this?
I completed a Bachelor of Journalism
and a Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing)
at UniSA. Throughout my four years of
study I also undertook internships at a
number of newspapers and magazines
across Adelaide and Sydney. In my
last year of uni I got a job working at a
newspaper in Renmark, in the Riverland.
I was dropped in the deep end from
day one and found myself immersed
in situations I never thought I’d be,
from attending car accidents to visiting
major wineries. Country towns are great
training grounds for young journos
and it was one of my most worthwhile
experiences so far.
What do you hope to be doing in five
years’ time?
I’ll definitely stick to journalism. I still
have a huge amount to learn at The
Courier and I’m picking up new skills
every day.
What advice would you give to school
leavers?
Don’t believe anyone who says your
career aspirations are impossible or
that no jobs will ever come about. It’s all
about being in the right spot at the right
time and making your own luck. Also, do
as much work experience as you can.
Anything else you’d like to share?
As a journalist, no two days are ever the
same and in the short time I’ve been
at The Courier I’ve already attended a
bank robbery, house fires, flown 2,500ft
above ground in a powered hang glider
and spent time with victims of the
Sampson Flat Bushfire, including burnt
koalas and kangaroos. I meet people
from all walks of life every day.
Old Scholars - if you’d like
to come to an assembly and
share your story with current
Cornerstone students we’d
love to see you. Your insights
and real life experiences are
invaluable.
AMY NORSWORTHY (2010)
What year did you graduate from
Cornerstone?
2010.
What career path have you taken?
I am currently teaching at Crossways
Lutheran School in Ceduna. I am
teaching the Year 10 class for most
subjects as well as teaching PE to
some other classes. I have 12 students
in my Year 10 class, all of which are
Indigenous. It is something totally
different to what I thought I would
be doing but am really enjoying the
opportunity and challenge.
Have you done any special study or
training for this?
I completed four years at Uni SA
undertaking a Bachelor of Education
(Primary R-7) and completed the
Lutheran strand as part of my electives.
I have not been trained in middle school
teaching but I did a lot of youth work and
volunteering with high school students
while I was completing my degree which
has prepared me for where I am now.
What do you hope to be doing in five
years’ time?
Honestly, I have no idea where my uni
degree of primary teaching and first job
as a middle school (Year 10) teacher
will take me. I hope to be still teaching
but where and what year level is an
Please contact the College on
8398 6000 if you’d like to get
involved.
What advice would you give to
school leavers?
Take every opportunity that comes your
way, even if it is way out of your comfort
zone and something that you thought
you would never be doing. Taking a leap
of faith into the unknown provides you
with amazing opportunities that help you
learn so much about yourself and grow
as a person. Experience as much as
you can - travel, move somewhere new,
experience another culture, follow and
do what you love!
Old Scholar News
Hayden Conlay (2012)
Since leaving school in 2012 I never
liked the idea of slotting into ‘the status
quo’ and going to university, so I took
off overseas for two years, I spent my
time in Canada and America where I
worked for two summers at a Camp
America Summer Camp, working and
travelling in-between. These gap years
gave me a good chance to explore
what opportunities are out there in the
world, and it was during this time that
I started to realise and see various
Australians in American Colleges on
scholarships playing American football.
Being a passionate athlete and sport
enthusiast myself I had to look into and
research this more. Australians have a
great track record of playing American
football as the ‘Punter’ (kicking)
position as we come from that natural
Australian football background which
the Americans love as they come from
soccer backgrounds and can’t kick the
ball out of their hands very well. After
digging a bit deeper into this avenue in
2013/2014 I decided to pursue it myself
unknown. I am open to the opportunities
that may arise and trust that God has
some amazing things in store for me.
agencies, sitting SAT tests, applying for
visas, and athletic associations (NCAA)
it finally all came together and paid off.
I obtained a full ride international athletic
scholarship at ASA College in New York
City (worth $30,000 a semester) where
I will be on a year by year contract. I will
start as their Punter as of Fall 2015.
College sports in America are absolutely
huge and are hard to compare to
anything back in Australia.
I will be living on campus in New York
City and the scholarship will include
all my tuition, food, accommodation,
insurances and sporting needs.
as the idea of playing a sport full time
whilst obtaining a fully paid for degree in
a country on the other side of the world
seemed very appealing to me.
The process was bigger than I ever
imagined, after nearly 18 months of
working with kicking coaches, recruiting
I will be studying a course on Health
Technology and should be heading over
to the States at the end of July.
Ultimately I hope to play and study
at ASA College for a year or two and
hopefully prove myself enough to be
able to transfer into a larger school to
finish off my degree. (continued over)
23
Old Scholar News
Hayden Conlay (2012) (continued)
Australia doesn’t have a lot to offer in
regards to athletes who want to keep
pursuing their sport post-school. It’s
basically club sports and university or
find sponsorship and try and go pro in
your sport. Whereas America offers a
great opportunity to combine your sport
into an elite level while studying. For
any serious athletes out there who want
to pursue their sport without having to
worry about finance and missing out on
going to uni - this is a great pathway I
urge you to explore.
My career goal is to ultimately be a
strength and conditioning coach for an
elite sporting club - preferably an AFL
club. I see this opportunity hopefully
giving me a bit of an edge having the
life experience component of studying
abroad and the experience of playing
elite sport at a collegian level. In five
years I would like to be back in Australia
and starting my dream career living on
the Gold Coast working for the Gold
Coasts Suns as their Head Strength and
Conditioning Coach.
My advice to anyone about to finish
school is don’t panic. We have so many
external factors around us that we feel
pressure from telling us to ‘choose how
we want to spend the rest of our lives’,
‘what do you want to do?’, ‘what do
you want to study?’. I think the most
important question is ‘who do I want to
be?’ For me the answer was I wanted
to be happy with what I was doing
and I struggled to see happiness for
me to finish school and go straight to
university. Teachers, parents telling us
to ‘study hard’, go to uni get a degree,
get a job work hard for 50 years and
‘she’ll be right’. I know first hand it gets
quite over-whelming. Fact is, that if you
aren’t happy throughout the process that will never work. You need to find
happiness in yourself before you can be
happy with what you’re doing. One of
my favourite quotes is “If you do what
you love, you will never work a day in
your life”. If you are feeling stressed
and not sure what you’re going to do
when you leave school and feel like you
need to go to uni ‘just because’ then I
urge you to just relax, take a step back,
life is a big journey and don’t rush your
decisions - explore your options and do
what makes you happy. I’m so grateful
for the fact that I decided to go overseas
and take some gap years to explore
the world and explore my opportunities.
Unless you know exactly what you want
to do, I strongly suggest that you look
into doing the same. There are so many
amazing working holiday programs out
there all over the world that will seriously
do a 180 on you and open your eyes to
a greater world.
There were many times throughout
the 18 or so months I was pursing this
college option that I just wanted to give
up. It was all getting too hard, too many
set backs. But I stayed the course - and
my biggest advice to anyone is that if
you are passionate about something
and want something bad enough - don’t
give up, stay the course. Because
nothing worthwhile in life ever came
easy, if it were easy, everyone would do
it.
courtney purl (nee liebelt 2002)
Married at Golding Winery, Lobethal on October 4,
2014.
Bridesmaids: Susan Jury, Tahlia Holbrook (nee deVries),
Sarah Heinze (nee Prest) and Ashleigh Liebelt.
Honeymoon: Mauritius.
24
HANNAH SIERP (2011) & BEN HAGE (2011)
Married on 18 April, 2015 at a garden wedding in Stirling. Guests
then enjoyed an after-party in the Barn in Blakiston. So much fun!
Old Scholar News
MICHAEL HILL (FORMERLY TANNER 2004)
Michael married the beautiful Samantha Walcroft on 20 December 2014 at Bird In
Hand Winery in the Adelaide Hills. Michael’s groomsmen include old scholars: Tim
McKenzie, Karl Graham and Dylan Miels.
DAMIAN STOKES (2009)
After completing Year 12 I travelled
around the world for 6 months before
returning to Australia to work at Hamilton
Island for 8 months. I returned to Mount
Barker and worked for Flight Centre,
Murray Bridge for 12 months (obtaining
my Certificate III in Tourism Retail Travel
Sales). I then transferred to England
and worked for Flight Centre, London
for 6 months, before landing a fantastic
job working as Cabin Crew for Emirates
based in Dubai. I trained for 3 months
at the “Aviation College, Dubai”, topped
my class and received an Excellence
Customer Service Award for 2014. I am
certified to work with Boeing 777 and
A380 aircraft. I have been with Emirates
for 18 months, travelled to every
continent and loving it.
lauren turner (nee crocker 2008)
Cameron and I got married on 1 November, 2014 at Thomas Hill House in Mt
Crawford Forest Lenswood. Myself and bridesmaids, Hannah Webb, Di Jones and
old scholar and Maid of Honor Lyndsey Edmunds arrived by horseback which was
a dream come true. Since leaving Cornerstone I’ve gained a degree in Nursing
and have recently moved to Darwin on my first posting to work as a Nurse in the
Australian Regular Army. Cameron gained a Bachelor of Civil Aviation and is
working full time at TJM - 4WD Accessories whilst awaiting a contract with the Air
Force to become an air traffic controller. Life is great, we’re living the dream but
Cornerstone will always be my strong foundation and hold a very special place in my
heart.
karl smith (1998)
Sadly my wife Sarah Smith lost her 5 year battle to cancer
in November 2014. A beautiful funeral service occurred with
about 500 people attendance. I have had amazing support
by family, friends, church and work, and hoping to rebuild in
2015.
Attention Old Scholars
We would love to receive photos of weddings, engagements, births or any other
information to put in our future editions of ‘clippings’.
Please send them via post to:
‘Old Scholars at Cornerstone’
PO Box 820, Mt Barker, 5251
or email them to the College at:
[email protected]
SAMANTHA DE WIT (2009)
My name is Samantha de Wit and I
graduated from Cornerstone College
in 2009. In 2010 I began a Bachelor
of Behavioural Science, majoring in
Psychology and Sociology at Flinders
University. I completed my degree
then subsequently took a year off. In
2014 I began an honours degree at the
University of South Australia. I obtained
first class honours for my thesis titled
“the commodification of sleep during
commercial air travel”. I was offered a
Scholarship and I am now (as of the
beginning of 2015) undertaking a phD
by research at the Hawke Research
Institute (UniSA).
25
Old Scholar News
Cameron Seidel
The following Old Scholar updates are extracts from the Cornerstone
College 5, 10 and 20 Year Reunion booklet (Classes of 2010, 2005 and
1995) and were current as at June 2015:
CLASS OF 2010
Christine Allen
In 2011 I completed Certificates 2,
3 and 4 in Business Administration,
allowing me to progress up the career
ladder, going from part-time retail and
hospitality jobs to full-time jobs in office
administration, including positions
such as Medical Receptionist, Medical
Administrative Coordinator and Personal
Assistant. I am currently working in
Adelaide in corporate education program
management.
In September 2012 I moved in with my
partner, and just over a year later we
bought our first house in October 2013.
We are now looking at building our
dream house within a year or two from
now and will subsequently be turning our
current home into our first investment
property.
My partner and I got engaged in January
2015 while on holiday in Queensland,
and in March 2016 I get to marry the
man of my dreams on a relative’s
property, a rose farm, in Scott Creek SA.
Brett Geue
Hmm, what have I been up to since
graduation? ‘Thinks furiously……..’ I’ve
hopped around different degrees at
uni (the University of Adelaide) for the
last few years, from Pharmaceutical
Engineering to Science and Health
Science, and I hope if everything
goes well, to graduate with a degree
in Psychological Science at the end
of 2016. My uni time has been stilted
at times courtesy of having 6 surgical
operations from 2011-2014, so that has
made things a little awkward at times but
we persevere. I have been busy playing
tennis and winning seasons in summer
for the HTA (Hills Tennis Association)
and in winter for Tennis SA, and I also
went skydiving back in 2013 for a 21st
birthday treat. Hopefully my 10 year
reunion story is more interesting……..
Jacob Shearer
I started studying a combined electronic
engineering/physics degree at Adelaide
Uni in 2011 and added a maths degree
in 2012. I completed a summer research
project at the Defence Science and
Technology Organisation over the
2012/2013 summer and have been
working there as a part time contractor
since. I was also part of the Hills CLW
leadership team for 2012-2014. Mid
26
2014 I was chosen as one of the
scholars for the pilot program of the New
Colombo Plan Scholarship and therefore
am currently in Japan on exchange
studying at the University of Tokyo and
hopefully completing an internship at a
Japanese company before coming back
to Adelaide to do my last year of study
in 2016. At this stage I don’t have any
concrete plans for after I graduate.
Emily Mahomet
Since leaving school I attended
an American Summer Camp in
Pennsylvania for 3 months during my
gap year. I spent the American summer
teaching 600 kids from 6-16 years old
how to waterski and wakeboard as well
as being a boat driver. I had the privilege
of meeting hundreds of people from
all over the world in which I have since
travelled to the UK to visit them all. I
then studied my Bachelor of Registered
Nursing for 3 years at university
working in the areas of renal dialysis,
orthopaedics and palliative care, before
finishing last year. I am currently on my
graduate year at the Royal Adelaide
Hospital in Intensive Care which is a
great learning experience and very busy.
After this I will be working on a medical
ward until the end of January 2016.
Teagan (Stanbury) & Jamie
Munyard
Since graduating from Cornerstone,
together we have travelled to America
& Canada, have gained an interest in
camping, kayaking and travel, have
purchased a unit, got engaged in 2012
and were married on 1st of February
2014. Jamie is currently working at
Optus as assistant manager, while
Teagan is a transport manager at a local
construction company.
Rebecca Curtis
After finishing at Cornerstone in 2010,
I went to uni and completed a Bachelor
of Education (Primary). I was lucky
enough to be able to participate in a
student exchange during my time at uni,
completing 6 months of my degree in
Worcester, UK. I finished my degree at
the end of 2014. I’m currently working
as a Year 2 teacher at Good Shepherd
Lutheran College in Palmerston,
Northern Territory. Living in Darwin is
definitely not what I expected to be
doing this year but I am loving every
minute of it.
Since graduating from Cornerstone
I’ve been studying at the University
of Adelaide. Over this and next year
I’m completing a pure mathematics
major as well as honours in electrical
and electronic engineering to finish my
double degree program. Complimentary
to that, I’ve undertaken two summer
research scholarship projects at the
university. I’ve continued in the sport of
fencing which I started in year 8, and
even won a state medal. I’ve continued
to be involved with the Spring Head,
Woodside and Lobethal Lutheran Youth
(SHWALLY) including during 2012 and
last year, two-week trips to Malaysia
to connect with Lutheran youth and
their mission projects over there, both
fantastic experiences. I’ve also been
quite involved with Lutheran Students
and Friends. Between all that I’ve taken
up the challenging and rewarding work
of teaching – both some high school
students privately in addition to first year
computer science practical supervision
at uni.
Sara Gray
Since graduating from Cornerstone
College I studied Social Work at the
University of South Australia, Magill
Campus. I have since graduated
and I am now on the hunt for work
in the field. I have volunteered on a
number of camps with people whom
have disabilities and people in foster
care, and I look forward to more
opportunities to volunteer both locally
and internationally.
David Sadauskas
After finishing up at Cornerstone
College in 2010, I went straight out to
university. I’d figured that if I were to
have a gap year I would likely never go
back to study! I began my Bachelor of
Physiotherapy at the University of South
Australia in 2011 and have never looked
back since. Graduating at the end of
2014 I decided I would explore South
East Asia by backpacking through five
countries in two months; an experience
I’ll never forget, the travel bug has well
and truly been caught – next stops:
New Zealand and Japan! Needless
to say, I am happy to be back on
Australian soil and working full time as a
physiotherapist in the Riverland. I work
in a private clinic, several hospitals and
aged care facilities and also run exercise
classes and one on one rehab sessions.
It’s been flat out, but I’ve loved every
moment. Thankyou Cornerstone!
Gemma Pfeiffer
After leaving Cornerstone I studied
Paramedic Science at Flinders
University, and graduated in 2013.
During my time studying I became a
Old Scholar News
volunteer and training mentor for SA
Ambulance in the Country Regional
Response Team, travelling across the
state to provide regional coverage for
country ambulance stations. In 2015 I
started a Paramedic Internship with SA
Ambulance and am currently working in
metropolitan Adelaide. I still live in the
beautiful Adelaide Hills and am lucky
enough to still catch up with some other
Cornerstone Old Scholars.
Caitlin Rice
After school, and after a few gap years,
I re-did year 12 and bumped my marks
up enough to get into uni, I was doing
psychology but it wasn’t for me, now
I’m waiting to get into NIDA or TAFE
for a costuming degree. My life now
consists of harnessing my hording
skills into collecting figurines, games
and autographs, cosplay, Comic Con,
PlayStation, anime, everything Si-fi and
fantasy and above all else, Doctor Who.
High school wasn’t a great time for me
because I didn’t know where I fit in, but
now I have learned that you don’t have
to, and I’m happy with the person I am
now, quirks and all, I wouldn’t change
a thing and I look forward to seeing
everyone again for the next reunion :)
Rochelle Calderwood
It’s hard to believe it has been 5 years
since I’ve finished high school! During
the last few years I’ve done so many
exciting things! I’ve started piano
teaching, I’ve taken up the cello, I had
the opportunity to travel to Sri Lanka
and Singapore with my family, and even
climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge at
sunset :) I am also happy to say that
December 2014 marked the end of my
4 year course at Flinders University graduating with a Bachelor of Speech
Pathology. My uni course provided me
with many exciting opportunities, which
included spending 3 months in Alice
Springs on placement. Since graduation
I’ve been through the interesting
process of job hunting - it has been alot
more difficult than I anticipated! I have
recently accepted a short term contract
in Mt Gambier working at the community
health clinic - which includes providing
outreach services to Kingston, Millicent
and Robe, with children and adults. I
absolutely love it! I’m looking forward to
finding out what the next few years have
in store for me!
Joshua Rodgers
In 2011 I started my journey with Great
Southern Rail (GSR), a company
responsible for the operation of the
Ghan, Indian Pacific and Overland
interstate rail services. It is here where
I grew as a person exponentially and
took on various roles such as bar work,
concierge, house keeping, food and
drink waiting. Whilst employed at GSR
I made life-long friends here, travelled
to most major cities of Australia,
witnessed some spectacular Australian
landscape and created memories that
will last a lifetime. In 2014 I made the
bold move of returning to study, I began
my Registered Nursing (RN) degree
last year and haven’t looked back. I
have enjoyed the various challenges
university has posed and look forward
to practising as a RN in the near future.
I have chosen nursing as a career path
as I have always had a passion for
people and find caring for others to be
extremely rewarding.
Alissa Hampton
After a gap year I commenced a
Bachelor of Science Veterinary
Bioscience at Adelaide University,
Roseworthy campus. After graduating
with the Roseworthy Old Collegians
Association (ROCA) Prize for the
highest cumulative GPA in the class I
am now undertaking the first year of a
Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM),
hoping to graduate as a qualified vet in
2017.
Laura Daenke
After finishing year 12 in 2010 I moved
to Canberra to study a bachelor in
Heritage, Museums and Conservation.
After 3 years of study I graduated
from my degree specialising in object
conservation. I am currently working
at the National Archives of Australia
in the preservation laboratory. Here I
repair documents that are requested
for viewing by the general public and
prepare paper objects for exhibition in
Australia’s museums and galleries. I am
also working at a private conservation
business that does a lot of restoration
work. On a weekly basis I am restoring
very interesting and beautiful objects
such as paintings, gilded frames and
ceramics. In between study and work
I have been lucky enough to travel
overseas several times. I will be moving
back to Adelaide in July to be with
my family and continue following my
conservation dream. I would like to give
a shout out to all my Cornerstone friends
who have been so supportive while I
have been in Canberra!
Josh Schubert
Since graduating in 2010 I completed
my carpentry apprenticeship as well
as doing my builders licence and a
business course and I was fortunate
to be able to work on new cornerstone
college buildings. I now run my own
carpentry business as well as contract
work building shearing sheds and
various other work. I also partner with
my cousin in an agronomy business.
Since high school I’ve developed a
passion for the country and showing
off its beauty through a bit of my own
photography on the side. I still love my
footy at Lobey tigers and spending time
with all the lads. Don’t mind going out in
the kayak for a bit of fishing from time to
time and spending afternoon runs on a
dirt road with the man upstairs.
Anthea Marshall
Since leaving school I have completed
a Bachelor of Architectural Studies at
the University of Adelaide and have
commenced my Masters of Architecture
this year. I will start an internship
at Russell & Yelland in the second
semester of this year. I have continued
to enjoy musical pursuits, singing in the
annual Carols by Glowstick event held
by Trinity Mount Barker in Inbarendi.
Travel has been of interest to me in the
last 5 years, with trips to Thailand, Laos,
Cambodia, Fiji and New Zealand, and
the occasional hike through Tasmania.
Amy Norsworthy
Since graduating in 2010 I went straight
to University where I completed a
Bachelor of Education (Primary R-7)
at Uni SA at Magil. During that time I
went on the Habitat for Humanity trip to
the Philippines as a youth leader after
going on the same trip as a student in
Year 11 at Cornerstone. I have also
been involved in youth work helping
with the leadership of my local youth
group, Christian Life Weeks and the
team leader of the Hills Green Team at
Schoolies festival which have all helped
me to get where I am now. After finishing
my degree I was lucky enough to be
offered a job teaching Year 10 students
at Crossways Lutheran School and am
now living in Ceduna and am really
enjoying my new adventure.
Morgan Georg
After leaving school I moved to Surfers
Paradise to live and work by the beach
as my gap year. I then returned to
Adelaide to commence a Bachelor
of Urban and Regional Planning at
UniSA which I will complete by the end
of this year. Throughout my degree I
also partook in a semester abroad and
studied at San Diego State University. I
am excited to be returning to the United
States this July for some further study
in Chicago and New York. Travel is
something I am very passionate about.
In the last few years I have travelled to
Vietnam with family; Cambodia, Laos
27
Old Scholar News
and Thailand solo; as-well as Mexico
and the United States with my partner
Ross. While studying I also work as a
manager at the Great Eastern Hotel in
Littlehampton and have been there for
over 4 years now.
Simone Thomas
After leaving Cornerstone to complete
high school in Mount Gambier I
returned to Adelaide and briefly studied
at Adelaide University. I now am a
Practice Manager and Chiropractic
Assistant for two Chiropractors and am
very passionate about the benefits of
Chiropractic Care. Outside of my work
life my family has grown bigger with
even more siblings including identical
twins. As I now live with my partner
Mathew, I borrow the youngest 3
children as often as I can for sleepovers
and an excuse to watch children’s
movies!
Su-Sim Lim
Since leaving Cornerstone in 2010 I
moved to Adelaide to study a Bachelor
of Education and a Bachelor of Science
(majoring in Chemistry and Biology)
at Flinders University. Whilst at Uni
I thoroughly enjoyed being part of
ES (the Evangelical Student group),
mentoring at Westminster School,
teaching swimming and playing a few
different sports. At Uni I also met Brad
and we’re getting married in December.
I am now teaching Junior Maths and
Science and Year 11 Chemistry at John
Pirie Secondary School in Port Pirie.
Looking back I very much appreciate the
support and encouragement from staff at
Cornerstone during my schooling and for
your part in showing me the importance
of faith in Christ.
Randall Gale
After leaving school I worked on the
family farm for a year until picking up an
apprenticeship in carpentry. During my
apprenticeship I was building residential
houses in Strathalbyn and holiday
houses in Kangaroo Island. During
that period I played various sports
for local clubs and enjoyed the odd
overseas holiday to Vanuatu, Thailand,
Europe and the UK. After completing
my apprenticeship I continued to work
with the same company full time and
did further study in Building. In 2012 I
married my beautiful partner Madeline
Barnett in Port Elliot and had a fantastic
day and honeymoon in Fiji. We have
settled in Strathalbyn, living in a house
we renovated and we both work locally.
We are enjoying life on some property
with our pets and enjoy getting away on
holidays. I’m living my ITYT dream.
Kimberley Hand
CLASS OF 2005
Since graduating high school I went
on to study a Certificate III in Captive
Animals and have since successfully
gained employment at Cleland Wildlife
Park South Australia at Mt Lofty where
I have now worked for the last 4 years.
I work in two main areas of the park
where I am responsible for the care of
birds or of the mammals in the park.
Three years ago I bought my own house
a small 3 bedroom place with a big
backyard for my ever increasing number
of animals :) and moved out.
Catherine Mills
Nathan Schubert
The last 10 years I have spent traveling,
studying and working around the world. I
graduated from Adelaide Medical School
in 2011. I have delivered babies in India,
cared for children in Ecuador, swam in
the Galapagos with turtles, climbed the
Eiffel tower and adventured through
Bulgaria with my wonderful partner
Gueorgui. I can’t wait to see what the
next 10 years brings.
Thomas McLean
Moved down the hill after school and
studied Chemical Engineering at
Adelaide Uni. Found it all a bit dry
but finished it off before completing a
Diploma of Teaching. I’m now in my
fourth year of teaching Chemistry,
Physics and Maths at Christian Brothers’
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College in the city. I bought a place at
Lower Mitcham a few years back and
am slowing making it habitable. Back in
the hills most weekends umpiring local
footy and enjoy catching up with people
from Cornerstone. Try to get back to the
family farm when I can, usually in the
school holidays.
I got straight into the work force. I had an
interview for my Audio Visual traineeship
with Staging Connections the day after
I got back from Schoolies! I worked for
5 years on many concerts, conferences
and major events including the Clipsal
500 and the Christmas Pageant. I
eventually become Operations Manager
for Staging Connections at the Hilton
International Hotel. Just over 4 years
ago applied for a job at Network Ten
and became the Studio Operations
Manager here in Adelaide. Not long after
leaving Cornerstone, I came back to do
some casual work in the new Theatre. A
couple of months later, I started dating
my future wife. 2 years later, we got
married at St Michaels with a bridal
party full of Ex Cornerstone students.
We have been married for 5 years and
live in our house in Nairne. We are
currently building our dream house in
Littlehampton.
Jake Evans
Since finishing up at Cornerstone
College in 2005, I have completed a
Bachelor of Business Administration
(with minors in Sports Management
and Accounting) at University of South
Australia (completed in 2011) and began
a career in Conveyancing. This has
taken me from Victor Harbor to Adelaide,
and I am now based at Somerton Park,
working for RW Morgan Conveyancers
as a Registered Conveyancer. I enjoy
my travelling, beginning with a six week
trip to Europe in 2008 with Emily Pethick
(class of 2006). In 2011 I met my partner
Amanda, and we have since travelled
to America and Asia. Currently we are
residing in Underdale and I am playing
footy for the local team.
Lauren Johnson
After leaving Cornerstone and not
being sure what I wanted to do, I got
a job at Jarrett Motor Company as a
receptionist and I am still working there
today in an Admin role. Working there
has allowed me to do a bit of travelling
and I have been to New Zealand twice,
have done a cruise around Fiji, a Contiki
tour of North America for 5 weeks and
am currently planning on returning to
the USA for another holiday. I still play
netball locally and was president of my
club for a couple years. I am a member
of the Adelaide Thunderbirds and love
watching the games. I’ve recently moved
to Bridgewater by myself and enjoy the
independence that it has given me.
Belinda Rohde (Candy)
After finishing school I studied at
Flinders University to become a Primary
School teacher. I graduated from this
in 2010 and moved to Whyalla to teach
in a JP class. Beginning of 2012 I
moved to Narrung to teach at Raukkan
Aboriginal School. In September 2012
I married Kym Rohde. We moved to
Morgan in 2013, where I taught for the
year. 2014 was a busy year for us where
we had our first child ‘Owen Jackson’ in
May and bought a house in August. We
are looking forward to welcoming our
second child in October 2015.
Tegan Howard (Saldanha)
After school I studied a Bachelor of
Performing Arts at Tabor Adelaide,
majoring in dance and music. I married
Ben Howard in February 2009. I work as
the Chaplain at St Michael’s Lutheran
Primary School, and teach dance at
Dance Fusion in Hahndorf. Ben and I
bought a house in Mt Barker in 2010,
and then built a house in Strathalbyn
in 2012, where we currently live. Our
daughter Kaylie was born in November
2014, so I am currently on leave from
work.
Celebrating
25 Years
CLASS OF 1995
Catherine Nield
After relocating to Melbourne in my early
20’s I studied a Bachelor of Biological
Science degree with Honours in Botany.
This led to a career in ecology through
which I met my husband Ben. We
have travelled overseas quite a bit and
lived in several regional cities before
finally settled down in Melbourne after
recently having our first child Elliot. I
have returned part time to my job in
threatened species management with
the Victorian government.
Old Scholars
Reunion
Scott Skinner
In the last twenty years since leaving
school my life has had many high points
including running my own franchise
business for the last ten years. But
without a doubt the biggest highlights
have been meeting and then marrying
my wife Tracy in August 2003, the birth
of our son Joshua in August 2008 and
the birth of our daughter Sarah in April
2011.
Amanda Byrne
I have studied for my diploma in
accounting, and have been working
as an accountant since leaving
Cornerstone College. I met my partner
Brian in 2009, and his two daughters
came to live with us in around 2011.
We travelled over to see his family in
Holland in 2013, where he proposed in
Paris at the top of the Eiffel Tower. We
decided to extend our family, and our
son was born in 2014.
From 1995 to 1999 Chapel was held in
the Green Shed - now the maintenance
shed. Everyone took their chair from
homegroup and walked down to the
shed for Chapel. Rows were marked
for each homegroup (those from Art or
Science rooms were at the back as they
had stools). The shed was also the gym.
At the beginning of each year, the whole
school would bus to Lobethal Lutheran
Church for the Opening Worship Service.
This continued until inbarendi was built.
The last year this took place was 1999 with
600 students plus all staff.
On Saturday 13 June we had the
pleasure of hosting a joint reunion
for the Classes of 1995, 2005 and
2010, to celebrate their 20, 10 and 5
reunions respectively. Over 100 Old
Scholars joined us at the Mt Barker
Golf Club for hours of reminiscing,
laughter and reflections. The room
was buzzing as the old school
cohorts reconnected.
A special guest on the night was
founding Principal, Mr Mal Wegener
who shared a few very interesting
stories about the earliest days when
a whistle was used to signal the
change of lesson. A number of other
founding and long serving staff also
attended to add to the richness of
rekindled connections during the
evening.
Ms Stephanie Noon
Marketing Manager
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a l l
w e l c o m e
CORNERSTONE COLLEGE
Saturday, 8 August 2015
25 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
at The Stirling Hotel ‘Deck Room’
1990 - 2015
52 Mount Barker Road, Stirling
7:00pm to 12:00 midnight
$30 per head, includes drink on arrival,
nibbles, hot finger food, dessert platter
and tea/coffee
Payment and RSVP:
www.trybooking.com/HSFL
celebration
Diary Dates 2015
Saturday 25 Year 12 Formal
Friday 9 - Golf Classic
Friday 30 Food & Fun Fest
Saturday 8 Cornerstone College
25 Year Anniversay
Celebration
Thursday 26 Year 11/12 Closing
Celebration
Friday 11 Music Cabaret
Friday 25 Summit to School
Thursday 3 Year 7-10 Closing
Service
Support Cornerstone College and get
rewarded for it.
Having your LLL Savings Account nominated
as a Matching Deposit to our school does not
restrict your account.
Earn an attractive interest rate on daily
balances, added annually.
No minimum balance for deposit.
Funds ‘at call’.
No fees or charges.
Unlimited transactions.
Internet access with LLL@Home.
Friday 30 October
2015
6.00-9.00pm
Cornerstone College Plaza
Come and enjoy an evening of fun
filled entertainment, stalls, great
food and company.
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Deposits (cash or cheques) can be made at
our school.
For further information please contact the
school office, or the LLL on 1800 556 457 or
visit www.lll.org.au
This information is not intended to constitute
financial product advice. You should obtain and
read the LLL Notice to Depositors before making a
decision to deposit funds with the LLL. You should
obtain and read the Product Disclosure Statement
(PDS) and consider it before making any decision
about whether to use LLL@Home.